?

  Mira rushed into class, slightly out of breath. She barely slid into her seat before the professor began the lecture.

  It wasn’t that bad, she’d just missed the first few minutes. But the stress of balancing Luca’s hospital visits and her workload was starting to pile up.

  Then, as she pulled out her notebook, a piece of paper slid onto her desk.

  She blinked.

  It was not her handwriting. It was too precise, too neat.

  When she turned her head, she found Adrian Vale sitting at his usual seat, his gaze fixed on the professor, as if he hadn’t just casually passed her a full summary of what she had missed.

  Mira hesitated, then whispered, “You…?”

  “You missed the first ten minutes,” Adrian said flatly, not looking at her. “Try not to let it happen again.”

  ?

  As the sky turned dusky, the group gathered at the campus parking lot, preparing to visit Luca together.

  Elara leaned against her car, keys twirling in her hand. “Alright, my car fits five. We have six people.”

  Naomi sighed. “We really should’ve thought about this before showing up with more people than seats.”

  Just then, a familiar beep sounded. The group turned,

  Adrian Vale was unlocking his car.

  Everyone paused.

  Elara, the quickest to react, tilted her head. “Adrian, where are you heading?”

  He didn’t even glance up as he opened the door. “The hospital.”

  Another pause.

  Then,

  “Oh,” Elara said, ever the opportunist. “Perfect. You take Mira and Camille.”

  Mira asked with eyes wide open. “Wait, what, ”

  Camille, seizing the moment, immediately linked arms with Mira. “Yes, perfect plan.”

  Adrian, still calm, glanced at the two of them before simply saying, “Fine.”

  Mira turned to Elara, exasperated. “You just decided that?”

  Elara smiled sweetly. “I delegated. You should thank me.”

  Camille smirked. “Mira, think about it. You either squeeze into a packed car with us or you get a nice, spacious ride.”

  Mira shot her a glare. “That is not the point.”

  Elias acknowledged Adrian with a curt but not unkind nod. “Thanks for the help.”

  Adrian didn’t reply, just waited as Mira, still grumbling, climbed into the backseat. Camille, grinning, took the passenger seat.

  Mira, still grumbling, climbed into the back without noticing. But Camille? Camille noticed everything.

  She ran her fingers over the sleek dashboard, eyes narrowing. The interior wasn’t flashy, no glossy wood panels, no chrome accents. Instead, it was too smooth. Too controlled.

  The entire cabin was precision-engineered, with materials that felt almost… tactical. The seats were absurdly comfortable, but not in an overstuffed luxury car way. More like practical comfort, designed for endurance rather than display.

  And the dashboard, that was what set off alarm bells in her mind.

  No standard touchscreen interface. Instead, an eerily clean, high-tech display, almost military in its minimalism. The buttons were discreet, the controls streamlined. No useless entertainment system, no distracting clutter.

  Her hand brushed near the door handle, something subtle but unmistakable. Reinforced plating.

  What kind of university student drives a car like this?

  Then, her gaze flicked to the side mirror, noting the way it adjusted its angle almost imperceptibly, tracking more than just the road. She wasn’t sure how she knew, but she knew, this thing had anti-surveillance measures.

  Camille bit her lip, barely containing her curiosity.

  Adrian Vale, what the hell are you driving?

  Trying to keep her tone casual, she finally spoke. “Nice car.”

  Adrian, already focused on the road, didn’t react. “It’s functional.”

  Functional.

  Camille shot a glance at Mira in the backseat, but her friend was blissfully unaware, arms crossed, looking out the window.

  Adrian, completely unmoved, shifted gears. The car moved with an effortless smoothness that Camille had only felt in high-performance models, cars designed not just for speed, but for control.

  Camille leaned back, eyeing Adrian with curiosity. “Sooo, what’s your business at the hospital?”

  “Research meeting,” Adrian replied without looking away from the road.

  His voice was calm, impersonal. But Camille wasn’t buying it, not entirely.

  Camille smirked. “You a car guy, Vale?”

  “No.”

  “Could’ve fooled me.”

  Silence.

  She wasn’t deterred. This was her chance.

  “So, what do you do for fun?”

  Adrian’s eyes stayed on the road. “Define ‘fun.’”

  Camille let out a short laugh. “Okay. Hobbies. What do you choose to do when no one’s forcing you?”

  Adrian considered his words for a moment and answered, “Reading.”

  Camille didn’t give up just yet. “Let me guess. Non-fiction? Research papers? Theoretical physics?”

  Mira sighed from the back. “He does give off ‘my idea of fun is reading medical journals’ energy.”

  Camille smirked, still watching Adrian. “You ever read the news?”

  Adrian’s hands remained steady on the wheel. “Sometimes.”

  Something about the way he said it made Camille narrow her eyes. “Noticed anything interesting lately?”

  “A few things.”

  She was about to push further when,

  “You’re a journalism major.”

  Camille blinked.

  Mira, too, looked up in surprise.

  “What?” Camille asked.

  Adrian didn’t even look at her. “You analyze what people say, not just how they say it. You redirect conversations when you don’t get an answer. And you ask questions with an angle, always looking for the next lead.”

  Damn.

  This was the first time Camille had been the one caught off guard.

  Mira leaned forward. “Wait, how did you figure that out? Did she tell you before?”

  Adrian remained unfazed. “No.”

  Camille narrowed her eyes, studying him. “You do this often? Deducing people’s lives based on casual conversation?”

  Adrian didn’t answer.

  Mira groaned. “Oh, don’t let him get to you, Camille. This is just what he does.”

  But Camille… Camille was intrigued.

  Because for once, she was the one being figured out.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  She sat back, crossing her arms, smirking to herself. Fine. Two can play this game.

  Camille recovered quickly from her initial surprise.

  She wasn’t about to let it go.

  If Adrian could deduce her major so easily, how much did he know about the rest of them? And why would he even bother?

  She leaned back, smirking. “Alright, Vale. You got mine. What about the others?”

  Mira groaned from the back. “Camille, stop it.”

  Camille ignored her. “Let’s see… Elias.” She tilted her head. “What do you think he studies?”

  Adrian didn’t even hesitate. “Law.”

  Mira blinked. Camille narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

  Adrian kept his eyes on the road, his tone as composed as ever. “His arguments in Global Tech Ethics are structured like case defenses. He presents both sides, preemptively counters rebuttals, and only commits to a stance when he’s identified the strongest legal framework. He’s also one of the few students who quotes actual legislation when debating AI regulations.”

  A beat of silence.

  Mira frowned. “I mean… yeah. That’s just Elias.”

  Camille was impressed, but she wasn’t done. “Okay, but you and I are in that class too. You could’ve just heard him say he’s a law student.”

  Adrian remained impassive. “I could have. But I didn’t.”

  Camille let out a low whistle. “You are so annoying.”

  Adrian didn’t react.

  Mira, still watching him carefully, sighed. “You are creepy.”

  Camille, on the other hand, was having the time of her life. Because now, she knew.

  Adrian Vale paid attention.

  Not because he cared, no, she doubted he had any real interest in people. But because he just could.

  And that? That was fascinating.

  She smirked to herself, already planning her next move.

  This was going to be fun.

  ?

  The car pulled into the hospital’s parking lot, its movements so smooth that Mira barely felt it stop.

  Adrian shifted into park and, without a word, unlocked the doors.

  Camille, ever the opportunist, stretched leisurely before turning to Adrian. “Thanks for the ride, Vale.”

  Mira hesitated, then muttered, “Yeah. Thanks.”

  Adrian didn’t acknowledge them, not verbally, at least. Without so much as a glance, he stepped out of the car, locked it behind him, and walked off toward the hospital entrance.

  Mira watched him disappear inside. “Seriously? Not even a ‘you’re welcome’?”

  Camille grinned, leaning against a pillar outside the hospital entrance. “That’s just so Adrian Vale.”

  Mira sighed. “Whatever. Let’s just wait for the others.”

  Camille crossed her arms, her gaze still lingering on the hospital doors Adrian had walked through. “Y’know, Mira, I gotta say… you are very interesting right now.”

  Mira frowned. “Me? What did I do?”

  “Oh, nothing much.” Camille’s smirk widened. “You thanked Adrian Vale.”

  Mira rolled her eyes. “It was basic courtesy.”

  Camille hummed in mock agreement. “Sure. But let’s be real, Vale isn’t exactly the helpful type. And yet, here he is, driving us to the hospital like it’s no big deal.” She tilted her head. “You don’t find that… odd?”

  Mira exhaled. “He had a reason to be here anyway. He said he had a research meeting.”

  Camille snorted. “Uh-huh. And that totally had nothing to do with the fact that you were stuck without a ride.”

  Mira gave her a look. “Are you suggesting that Adrian Vale cares whether I have a ride or not?”

  Camille grinned. “I’m suggesting it’s very interesting that he just happened to have a hospital visit at the exact time you needed a ride.”

  Mira crossed her arms, refusing to entertain the idea. “You’re overthinking it.”

  Camille chuckled. “Maybe. But you know what I do know?” She tapped her temple. “That guy? He notices things. And not just random stuff, important things. So, if I were you, I’d start asking why he’s paying attention.”

  Mira scoffed. “You’re acting like he’s secretly analyzing me.”

  Camille gave her a teasing look. “Isn’t he?”

  Mira opened her mouth to argue, only to realize she didn’t have a solid answer.

  Before she could think of one, the sound of another car pulling into the parking lot made them turn.

  Elara’s group had arrived.

  Camille pushed off the pillar, flashing Mira one last smirk. “We’ll put a pin in that conversation, for now.”

  Mira groaned. “Oh, great.”

  ?

  The hospital room was filled with the usual lively chaos as the group settled in.

  Luca's hospital gown gaped at the collar as he gestured grandly at the snack pile. "The doctors say 'clear liquids,' but you've brought me a gourmet experience." He pressed the back of his hand to his forehead. "The injustice sustains me."

  Then, Naomi casually asked, “So, Luca, what’s the hot news while you’ve been stuck in here?”

  Before he could respond, Valeria grinned. “Oh, we have some news for you.”

  Luca raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

  Camille leaned forward, smirking. “Guess who gave us a ride to the hospital today?”

  Luca blinked. “Wait, what? Someone drove you?” Then realization struck. “Wait, don’t tell me, ”

  “Oh yes,” Elara chimed in, biting back a laugh. “Adrian Vale himself.”

  Luca stared. Then, slowly, a mischievous grin spread across his face. “Hold on, hold on. So first, he drives me to the hospital. Stays hours waiting for my surgery. And now, when you guys need a ride, he just so happens to be available?”

  Naomi giggled. “See? You get it.”

  Luca feigned deep thought. “Huh. Have I suddenly become important to Adrian Vale?” Then, after a dramatic pause, his grin sharpened. “Or… is there some special reason the Ice Prince is starting to change?”

  All eyes turned to Mira.

  Mira froze. “Oh, come on.”

  Elias chuckled, shaking his head. “That is quite a coincidence, though.”

  Mira groaned. “You too?”

  Camille smirked. “Mira, darling, we’re just observing the facts.” She raised her fingers as if counting. “One, Adrian Vale doesn’t waste his time on anyone. Two, he somehow was free the moment you needed a ride. Three, he’s been paying a lot of attention lately.”

  Mira glared. “Oh, wow, what brilliant investigative work. Maybe we should all just ignore the fact that he had his own reason for going to the hospital?”

  Luca snorted, waving a hand. "Yeah, and I'm the Queen of England. Who here actually don’t believe that flimsy excuse?"

  Silence.

  Then, Elara, Naomi, Valeria, Elias, and Camille all raised their hands.

  Mira’s jaw dropped. “You traitors.”

  Camille cackled. “Oh, relax. We’re just invested in your love drama.”

  Mira pointed at Luca. “Luca, shouldn’t you care more about, I don’t know, your condition?”

  Luca waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, I’m fine. But this? This is way more entertaining.”

  The room erupted into laughter, Mira included, despite her best efforts.

  As the conversation settled, Elara stretched. “Alright, since Luca’s stuck here, we should grab dinner before heading back.”

  Naomi nodded. “Yeah, let’s go before everywhere gets too packed.”

  “Hotpot?” Camille suggested.

  “Hotpot,” Elias confirmed.

  Mira grabbed her jacket. “Great, let’s, ”

  Camille smirked. “Oh, but wait. What about Vale?”

  Mira froze. “What about him?”

  Luca, eyes gleaming. “Well, we did just establish that Adrian keeps showing up whenever we need him.”

  Naomi gasped dramatically. “You’re right. He’s, like, part of the routine now.”

  Mira glared. “No, he’s not.”

  Valeria smirked. “Well, he drove us here. Wouldn’t it be convenient if he also gave us a ride back after dinner?”

  Camille tapped her chin. “Hmm, you know, that’s actually a good bet. Who thinks Adrian will also be the one to drive us home?”

  Two enthusiastic votes. One calculated response: Elias let his book drift upward precisely enough to count, but not enough to imply enthusiasm.

  Mira groaned. “You guys are ridiculous.”

  Camille turned to her, eyes full of mischief. “Mira, darling, I think you should text him.”

  Mira choked. “Absolutely not.”

  Luca leaned back. “Why not? He obviously listens to you.”

  Mira scowled. “He does not, ”

  “Then prove it.” Camille smirked, holding out her phone. “Text him.”

  “Why don’t you do it?”

  “Because you’re the only one who has his contact. Isn’t that obvious?”

  Mira’s mouth opened, then closed.

  Oh.

  Oh no.

  She suddenly became hyper-aware of everyone staring at her.

  Luca grinned. “This just keeps getting better.”

  Mira rubbed her temples. “You guys are insufferable.”

  “Just text him,” Elara teased. “Worst case, he says no.”

  Mira exhaled sharply but pulled out her phone.

  Mira [7:42 PM]: Are you still at the hospital?

  A few seconds later, her phone buzzed.

  Adrian [7:43 PM]: Yes.

  Mira paused.

  She could already feel the group watching her.

  Gritting her teeth, she typed again.

  Mira [7:44 PM]: We’re going to dinner. Restaurant near campus. You… want to come?

  She stared at the message. Did that sound weird? Was that weird?!

  Before she could rethink it, she hit send.

  Her phone buzzed almost immediately.

  Adrian [7:44 PM]: What time?

  Mira blinked.

  “…He asked what time.”

  The group erupted.

  Val practically screeched. “HE DIDN’T EVEN HESITATE.”

  Camille grinned. “Oh my god. He’s actually considering it.”

  Mira, feeling all of their eyes on her, groaned. “I hate all of you.”

  Elias, ever the reasonable one, shrugged. “Tell him when we’re leaving.”

  Mira sighed and typed back.

  Mira [7:45 PM]: Leaving in 15. Meet at the parking lot?

  A few seconds later,

  Adrian [7:45 PM]: Fine.

  Camille’s grin widened. “Ohhh, this just got so interesting.”

  As Mira put her phone away, Valeria stretched. “Alright, Adrian’s meeting us in the parking lot. Let’s get going.”

  Luca, still stuck in bed, looked at them like a betrayed prince watching his people abandon him. “You guys… are really just going to leave me here?”

  Camille smirked, already savoring the moment. “Oh, we are. And guess what, Luca? You’re about to miss the most interesting moment of our student life.”

  Luca gasped. “What?”

  Naomi, grinning, crossed her arms. “A group dinner. With Adrian Vale.”

  Luca gasped, dramatically clutching his chest. “No. No way.”

  Elara nodded solemnly. “All of us. Together. At the same table. Witnessing the rare, almost mythical sight of Adrian Vale in a normal social setting.”

  Camille, eyes gleaming, leaned forward. “As a journalist to be, I must document this historic occasion. Should I write an article? The Prodigy of Vermillion Dines With Mere Mortals!”

  Naomi pretended to faint. “Oh my god, Camille, if you publish that, it’ll get millions of views.”

  With precise fingers, Elias adjusted his eyewear. “You’d graduate early just from the sheer impact.”

  Luca flopped back against his pillows. “This is a tragedy.”

  But he wasn’t done. He pointed dramatically at his stomach. “If not for this stupid appendicitis, none of this would be happening! I created this moment! And yet, I am the only one who cannot witness it?”

  Valeria smirked. “Oh wow, what a selfless sacrifice.”

  “Oh goodness,” Luca groaned, “can I, can I sneak out for just a while? Just for one meal?”

  Mira shot him a flat look. “You literally just had surgery.”

  Luca grabbed Mira’s hands. “Mira. Please. Go in my place. Take notes. Remember every detail for me.”

  Mira yanked her hands back. “I am not your personal recorder.”

  Naomi smiled. “No, but she is sitting at the same table as Adrian Vale. So, you know. Interesting.”

  Luca sighed dramatically. “I will remember this betrayal.”

  Camille stepped toward the door. “And we will remember this night. Vermillion’s prodigy, forced to endure an entire meal with us. This will be legendary.”

  The group laughed all the way out of the room.

  ?